NHL Olympic debate rages on 27/08/2010 |
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National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman says there are still a “host of issues” to be addressed before the NHL commits to continuing its involvement in the Winter Olympics.
Bettman revealed that the league is not looking for money from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) but has a long list of demands, including a bigger say in scheduling and access to its players.
"There are a host of issues that need to be addressed if the decision is going to be that we go to Sochi [for the 2014 Games]," said Bettman. "We haven't said no and anyone who suggests that we have made a decision or that I'm anti-Olympics doesn't get it.
"When we understand what the IOC and IIHF [International Ice Hockey Federation] are prepared to do to make our taking a 16-day break sensible, the board of governors will make a decision."
Despite the massive exposure the NHL received from the men's ice hockey tournament at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, Bettman says the benefits have not always outweighed the negatives.
Chief among the NHL's concerns is turning over control of its biggest asset – $2.1bn worth of players – without having any input into how the tournament is run.
"Going to the Olympics for us is a mixed bag," added Bettman. "It can be very, very good but even when it is very, very good there are issues and problems.
"There is a mixed sentiment among the clubs – some think going to the Olympics is a terrible idea under any circumstances and some think it is important no matter what the sacrifice."
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